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November

It was the first year Mackenzie was going to sit at the “grown-ups” table at Thanksgiving. She had aged out of the children’s table following the last round of babies born in the family and more space was needed at that table. As the oldest grandchild, she got to move to the dining table first. She was excited to sit with the adults—even though their conversation would probably be pretty dull. Anything would be better than trying to play peacemaker amongst her cousins all through the meal.

Mackenzie couldn’t wait until it was time for everyone to sit down together. This year there would be no need for fixing her plate early so she could sit with the other kids. Mackenzie could imagine it all. This year, she’d be passing the piping hot bowls of mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn, along with the enormous platter of turkey and dressing. The table would be filled with the family’s Thanksgiving favorites, along with a beautiful centerpiece, lit candles, and a beautifully set table—all on Nana’s treasured tablecloth that had belonged to her mother and grandmother before her.

The month of November has long been associated with gratitude. God’s providence was recognized nearly 400 years ago by a small group of Pilgrims searching for religious freedom; incredibly, this event is still celebrated today. But after all this time, do we really understand what it means to “give thanks”? Nowadays, it can be quite difficult of us to put ourselves in the shoes of those grateful Pilgrims.

How can we possibly understand what it must have been like to flee the only home you’ve ever known, risk life and limb traveling across vast oceans, arrive on a foreign continent where no one speaks your language, and forge a living from nothing? Believe it or not, there are people all around you who have experienced just that . . .